Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, dedication refers to the act of setting apart persons, places, or things for the service and worship of God. This concept is deeply rooted in the understanding that what is dedicated to God is esteemed as holy, signifying a special status and purpose within the divine order.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament provides numerous examples of dedication, emphasizing the holiness and sanctity of what is set apart for God. One of the earliest instances is the dedication of the tabernacle and its furnishings. In Exodus 40:9-10 , God commands Moses, "Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy. Anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar, and it will be most holy." The dedication of the temple by King Solomon is another significant event. In 1 Kings 8:63 , it is recorded, "And Solomon offered a sacrifice of fellowship offerings to the LORD: twenty-two thousand cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the house of the LORD." This dedication was marked by prayer, sacrifice, and the manifestation of God's presence, underscoring the temple's holiness. Holy Objects and Offerings Objects dedicated to God were considered holy and were to be treated with reverence. Leviticus 27 outlines the laws concerning things dedicated to the Lord, including land, animals, and people. Verse 28 states, "But nothing that a man sets apart to the LORD from all he owns—whether a man, an animal, or his inherited land—can be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted is most holy to the LORD." The concept of the firstfruits offering also illustrates dedication. In Deuteronomy 26:2 , the Israelites are instructed, "you are to take some of the firstfruits of all the produce of the soil that you bring in from the land the LORD your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for His Name." This act of dedication acknowledges God's provision and sovereignty. New Testament Continuation In the New Testament, the principle of dedication continues, with a focus on the dedication of believers themselves. Romans 12:1 exhorts, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." Here, the dedication is personal and spiritual, emphasizing holiness in the life of the believer. The early church also practiced the dedication of resources for the work of the ministry. Acts 4:34-35 describes how "there were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need." This communal dedication of possessions reflects the early Christians' commitment to God's work. Conclusion Throughout Scripture, dedication signifies a profound commitment to God, marking people, places, and things as holy and set apart for His purposes. This dedication is not merely ceremonial but is a tangible expression of faith and reverence, acknowledging God's sovereignty and holiness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 27:28Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote to the LORD of all that he has, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy to the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 12:18 Library A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial. Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. Letter cxxx. To Demetrias. Christian Devotedness, Etc. The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ... Critical Notes. Sozomen as Author. From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive The Evangelical Revival. Resources What is the Feast of Dedication? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is baby dedication? Is child / baby dedication biblical? | GotQuestions.org Is a house dedication a biblical concept? | GotQuestions.org Dedication: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dedication by Idolaters in Setting up Idols Dedication of Property often Perverted Dedication of Samuel by his Mother Dedication of Self: Feast of Dedication Dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem Dedication: Consecration of a Place of Worship Dedication: Devoting Any Thing to Sacred Uses Dedication: Illustrated of Devotedness to God Dedication: Law Concerning Dedicated Things Dedication: Must be Without Blemish Dedication: Offering Must be Voluntary Dedication: Solemn Confirmation of a Covenant Dedication: Subjects of Houses when Built Dedication: Subjects of Persons Dedication: Subjects of Property Dedication: Subjects of Second Temple Dedication: Subjects of Spoils of War Dedication: Subjects of Tabernacle Dedication: Subjects of Temple of Solomon Dedication: Subjects of Tribute from Foreigners Dedication: Subjects of Walls of Cities Dedication: Things Dedicated to God for Support of Priests Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Applied to the Repair and Maintenance of the Temple Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Esteemed Holy Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Given to Propitiate Enemies Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Law Respecting the Release of Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Levites Place Over Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Placed With the Treasures of the Lord's House Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Special Chambers Prepared For Related Terms Dedication-offering (3 Occurrences) Dedication-gift (3 Occurrences) Dedication-song (1 Occurrence) |
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